I don't like to automatically label anyone, there are idiots on both sides of all isles, the political one especially. That being said, watching Antonio Sabato Jr. spew such hate and ugliness on Chris Cuomo last night had me regretting those times Antonio provided... well, inspiration. Conservatives in Hollywood often feel put upon, and with Sabato as their spokesperson, it's no wonder.

I remembered Sabato has appeared numerous times over the years on FH, and briefly considered deleting any mention or photo. Then... I thought re-posting some of his nude scenes, including his two gay roles would be a better response. The actor always had a bit gay following, especially after showing The Full Monty in Testosterone, and I wondered where he stood on LBGTQ issues, but it's not noted as a key issue on his website. Doesn't matter really, I'm not in CA and although I have voted for candidates who's policy's I haven't been 100% behind, I could never vote for someone who's soul and spirit is so hate filled.

As we all have learned, no amount of waiting is going to bring us all things, but I still appreciate the idea behind the famous quote. In a world where so many demand that all things come fast or instantly, there remains a payoff for those with patience and the ability to wait. In order to capture this series of images, photographer Robert John Guttke had to be patient, patient enough to wait close to two years before having Aaron in front of his camera.

Although most photographers now connect with models on-line, Robert still prefers the old fashion way, in person. The Minneapolis artist, sculptor, photographer and writer has worked with hundreds of models over the course of career and has learned that meeting a model face to face remains the best way to both discover, and find out if a model is the right fit. On-line images don't always tell the entire story, whether it be a model's height or look, or their ability to connect with, and give an artist what they need.

Robert has approached would be models as they're walking down the street, running along the lake, in the park and frequently when working out at the gym. It was at the gym where Aaron and Robert first met and started a conversation about modeling. As they were chatting, Aaron was very enthusiastic about modeling, but when he mentioned he was only 16, Robert ended the conversation telling Aaron if he was still interested in a couple of years to give him a call.

Robert had pretty much forgotten about the gym encounter, and about Aaron, he has often had conversations with guys who seem really interested, only to never hear from them again. Not this time, right after he turned 18, Aaron got in touch about wanting to shoot. It was a gray and windy day when the freckled Aaron went up to the rooftop for his shoot with Robert. Robert says Aaron was firmly pro pubic hair, and wanted to keep his body hair un-shaved or trimmed. The lines and bodyscapes Robert captures are usually focused on the nude male form, but with the wind up on the roof, Robert captures some great shots with Aaron's shirt billowing in the wind, framing his tight chest and stomach.

'There was one model that I first found at Lake Calhoun, I dd not hear from until two years later when he broke up with his long time girl friend Another guy I approached at the gym and he waited FIVE years to get back to me, when he did his first body building competition. Poor guy He worked out so hard for that competition, then accidentally slept through it. There were some models that I approached that later got in touch that I did not remember approaching. One of the last guys I worked with tole me that I had come up to 6 times at the lake, once when he was with his father who told him to DO IT.'

As you can clearly see, Aaron has a likable boyish charm that comes through in Robert's shots. Although this was his first time in front of the camera, with Robert's direction, Aaron looks relaxed and at tease. Because of the specific look he's working to achieve, Robert doesn't always encourage smiles, Aaron was however, both enthusiastic and very curious about the process, and was sporting a big grin most of the shoot. Robert included his favorite shots of Aaron in a couple of calendars and exhibit in SF. Robert remembers a model agencies in both Chicago and New York were interested in signing him, and as much fun as Aaron had with this shoot, wasn't really into the work required to model professionally.

One of the things I love most about working on FH is the places I get to visit virtually through art. This set of images transports the viewer to the Italian Island of Ischia. The volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples, Italy is a beacon to tourists looking to take in its majestic views, incredible beaches, hot springs and volcanic mud.

Our tour guide for today's visual vacation is Stephan Tobias, who's work as both a model and photographer I have featured in several pieces previously on FH. (HERE:) I love the magnificent views, both Stephan and his surroundings. There is an 'at the end of the world' quality and a beautiful feel of erotic isolation.

Although there is an isolating feel, Stephan wasn't alone, he was joined at the seaside an don the roads by his friend Marco Cortese, who photographed the series. An artist since childhood, Stephan edited Marco's shots to create the finished look and feel you see here. For my next feature focused on Stephan's work, the Berlin artist will be behind the camera in a piece I am working on for next month.

Stephan shares there were two goals with the shoot, the first to capture the incredible beauty of the location. The second was to capture the vulnerablity of the human form in contrast with the forces of nature, in these shots, represented by the sometimes menacing cliffs of Ischia.

'The male nude over the last years has been the main focus of my work, as it is such a powerful and charged tool of expression, and I keep adding to the experience as a model, photographer and digital editor. Living in Berlin gives me the opportunity to meet other photographers, models and creatives. Interacting with them I am happy to experiment with view of broadening my horizons.'

'Digital photo art for me is a fascinating medium to playfully examine the relationship between the subject and the object. In my photo series I try to make personal statement about the relationship between the individual and the world around, as I see it.'

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Welcome to FH & Other Things! Although you will find many great looking men on the blog, I strive to showcase talent, both in front of, and behind the camera. You will also find some of my favorite things, not just from today, but from years gone by. FH is about bringing forth the positive. Cruelty is not an option! FH also loves to focus on upcoming talent; actors, photographers and models. So sit back, relax and spend a bit of time with some of my favorite things

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With the exception of some material used for birthdays and commentaries, about 95% of the images used on FH come directly from the photographers/artists who created them. They are shared with me, for the specific purpose of promotion and story on the FH site. Many artists love to have their work shared elsewhere (especially with proper credit), but many do not. Please do not post material from this site without assigning proper credit and getting permission from the copyright holder.